Landman - Surface (Midland, TX)

Immediately

Salary commensurate with experience

40 hours weekly

A resume is required to apply. Candidates under final consideration will also be required to submit professional references, college degree information, and employment history to an online third-party vendor.

For more than 140 years, The University of Texas System has improved the lives of Texans - and people all over the world - through education, health care, and research. The System consists of nine academic institutions, five health institutions, and The University of Texas System Administration. The institutions of the UT System employ more than 116,000 faculty, health care professionals, researchers, support staff, and student workers.

The UT System Administration is primarily based in Austin, Texas. It supports the missions of the System's fourteen institutions by providing financial, legal, planning, purchasing, government relations, communications, development, and other central services. Serving a growing state, the UT System Administration strives to provide a welcoming, supportive work environment that embraces different perspectives - not only because it enables the organization to be stronger, creative, and thoughtful, but because it is the right thing to do. To that end, UT System Administration embraces state laws on military and former foster children employment preferences.

The Landman - Surface is a key member of the University Lands (UL) surface operations team. This position provides critical support in managing surface use across UL's portfolio, handling complex and sensitive responsibilities that enable effective and strategic land stewardship. The Landman - Surface oversees day-to-day land use activities, exercises sound judgment in negotiations and agreements, and ensures seamless coordination with operators, lessees, and project stakeholders. The role requires close collaboration with internal departments, external partners, and senior leadership across UL. The Landman - Surface contributes to a culture of excellence and professionalism, supporting UL's mission to be the leading land management organization in the country.

• Work with oil and gas operators to implement appropriate oilfield management practices and monitor oil field operations. Assist with information gathering for invoicing for oil field construction activities.
• Monitor compliance of the terms of University Lands (UL) Oil and Gas Leases, Renewable Leases, Flexible Grazing Leases and Wildlife Management, as well as Commercial Surface Leases and Easements. Coordinate land resource utilization for multiple users to ensure sustainable productivity and protection of cultural and other natural resources.
• Review proposed energy transition and renewable projects for compatible site locations. Educate all UL lessees and approve all field activity, including construction and operational activities.
• Review, approve, and coordinate installation of grazing and wildlife improvement projects on the surface to promote quality land stewardship.
• Conduct aerial surveillance and census surveys throughout the year, utilizing fixed wing or helicopter, to complete audits and remedy outstanding observations.
• Perform lease inspections, assemble data, and draft reports with corrective action as necessary while monitoring the completion of required action plans.
• Evaluate activity with the lease operators to ensure best management practices are utilized to assure land management goals are achieved while minimizing impact on the surface resources.
• Routinely meet with lessees operating in assigned area to build professional relationships, maintain communication, and provide information regarding acceptable practices on PUF lands.
• Counsel outside landmen and right of way agents regarding projects that require contracts. Explain UL policies as they relate to contracts, construction, and operations.
• Coordinate with UL Land and Regulatory Departments on lease inspections, compliance with federal and state laws, lease terminations, and surface restoration requirements.
• Prioritize daily operator and UL requests and maintain flexibility to change schedule throughout the week.
• Periodically review the UL Rate and Damage Schedule to update categories and rates for surface use agreements and damage payments.
• Work with various local, state, and federal agencies, such as Railroad Commission, General Land Office, Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, US Dept of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Texas Historical Commission, Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept, and US Fish and Wildlife and stay informed regarding the current rules and regulations.
• Identify and mediate conflicts for mutually agreed solutions.

• General knowledge of oil field infrastructure and operations for both upstream and midstream
• Demonstrated ability to identify and mediate conflicts for mutually agreed solutions
• Ability to research and analyze issues, understand agreements, legal terminology, and state statutes applicable to University Lands
• Evaluate complex issues and propose a range of solutions
• Must be able work independently with little to no supervision
• High degree of professionalism, judgment, responsiveness, and dependability are a must
• Ability to encourage and promote a professional disposition under challenging circumstances
• Must be detail oriented, possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills, be willing to work on a multi-functional team to add value as a team member and communicate effectively in both written and verbal communication skills
• Must be proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, GIS applications, and creating maps

• Bachelor's degree in natural resource management, geology, biology, energy management, or related field
• Relevant experience may be substituted for one year of college (30 semester hours) on a year-for-year basis

• Master's degree in natural resource management, geology, biology, energy management, or related field
• Preferred oil and gas experience in the Permian Basin and knowledge of land resource management, ownership, and stewardship in the Trans Pecos region

• Driving of UT owned vehicle required
• May work in all weather conditions
• May work around chemical fumes
• May work around standard office conditions
• May work around chemicals
• May work around electrical and/or mechanical hazards
• Climbing of stairs
• Climbing of ladders
• Lifting and moving objects

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to a minimum of 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. Participation in TRS is mandatory.

A background check will be conducted on candidates under final consideration. The background check may include any or all of the following: criminal history check, prior employment verification, education verification, professional references check, and motor vehicle records check. Background checks are conducted by third-party vendors. Upon request form the third-party vendor, candidates under final consideration must provide the required information for the background checks to be completed.

The University of Texas System Administration is a federal contractor committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all qualified applicants and employees in all terms and conditions of employment. U. T. System will provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state laws.

For information on accommodations for individuals with disabilities, please contact the Office of Talent and Innovation at oti@utsystem.edu.